This tiny Texas town passes anti-Beto resolution over national anthem comments

In this Oct. 2, 2016 file photo, from left, San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold, quarterback Colin Kaepernick and safety Eric Reid kneel during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Santa Clara, Calif.
Marcio Jose SanchezAP

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, speaks at a recent town hall event.
James DurbinAP

Leaders in a small North Texas city are pulling back the welcome mat when it comes to Colin Kaepernick and U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke.

The Reno City Council this week passed a resolution saying it’s disrespectful to kneel during the national anthem and that comments on the topic made by O’Rourke — the El Paso Democrat challenging Republican Ted Cruz for the U.S. Senate seat he holds — are false.

“The City Council has declared that it is disrespectful toward, and dishonors the sacrifice of our veterans, service members, and first responders of the United States of America to kneel during the National Anthem, a time during which all should stand to recognize and honor the sacrifice they have made to our country,” the resolution stated.

“Non-violently, peacefully, while the eyes of this country are watching these games, they take a knee to bring our attention and our focus to this problem to ensure that we fix it,” O’Rourke said during a town hall meeting. “I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee, for your rights, anytime, anywhere, or any place.”

“The Reno City Council considers kneeling during the National Anthem of the United States of America not only un-American but to be one of the highest forms of disrespect anyone can show to the sacrifice and service of our country’s military members, veterans and first responders,” the resolution states.

O’Rourke responded Friday afternoon.

“I am grateful to everyone who has put their life on the line for this country, every member of law enforcement and every one of our first responders,” he said. “I am grateful to all who would engage in discussion and action to ensure the full civil rights of every American.

“I am grateful to the City Council of Reno for taking part in this discussion.”

National controversy

Reno, with a population of around 2,500, is about 25 miles northwest of Fort Worth, in Parker County.

The elected body in Reno is the latest to weigh in on the nationwide controversy over kneeling during the national anthem.

“There has been a little negative feedback, but I believe it is because most have missed the point of what we are saying,” Mayor Eric Hunter told the Star-Telegram Friday morning.

O’Rourke’s comments about the national anthem have become an issue in the Senate race.